The Urban League of Northwest Indiana Entrepreneurship Program Offers Resources for Startups and Other Businesses

In 1945, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana was originally founded as the Urban League of Gary. About 25 years later, the Urban League of Gary was restructured to fit the needs of wider Northwest Indiana, its businesses, and its communities. Therefore, it was renamed the Urban League of Northwest Indiana.

“The Urban League of Northwest Indiana provides this service to Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties,” said Dr. Vanessa Allen McCloud, Urban League of Northwest Indiana President and Chief Executive Officer

According to the league’s website, its mission is to empower communities and change their lives through programs that can advance education, workforce readiness, leadership development, and economic opportunity. Equipping individuals with the merit to achieve, the drive for excellence, and the vision for innovation necessary to grow as leaders and make lasting contributions to their communities is a pivotal part of the mission.

The Urban League’s vision is to ensure that the organization becomes the premiere agency to support and promote neighborhood community collaborations towards the improvement, capacity building, and awareness of citizens. This includes areas of education, financial literacy, health and wellness, and civic or civil leadership throughout Lake, Porter, and La Porte counties.

Each year, local business owners and entrepreneurs are given the opportunity to apply to the organization’s program called the Urban League of Northwest Indiana’s Entrepreneurship Program. Whether a business owner or entrepreneur is in the start-up phase or is well-established and simply looking to grow, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana’s Entrepreneurship Program offers workshops, training, and other resources that can provide support.

“The Urban League NWI Entrepreneurship Program is a critical pathway for local business owners to gain access to practical knowledge, strategic guidance, and trusted support,” said Urban League NWI Entrepreneurship Program Coordinator and Board Member Bahiyah Shabazz. “It helps entrepreneurs strengthen their operations, make informed decisions, and build businesses that are sustainable, competitive, and rooted in the long-term growth of our communities.”

The program has five core areas that it focuses on. These are business development training, financial literacy and funding assistance, marketing and branding strategies, legal and compliance support, and mentorship and advisory.

“Through the leadership of Urban League Board member Bahiyah Shabazz and her team of professionals, business owners are advised on ways to improve, maintain, and sustain their business,” said McCloud. 

The Urban League of Northwest Indiana is currently planning its 2026 programming. 

“I am excited about what is ahead in 2026 as we prepare to roll out the next phase of the program in early 2026,” said Shabazz. “This phase will deepen our impact by offering more advanced resources, stronger partnerships, and broader access for entrepreneurs across the three counties we serve in Northwest Indiana, positioning local businesses to grow with confidence and resilience.”

Anyone interested in participating in the 2026 cohort may call the Urban League of Northwest Indiana’s office at (219) 887-9621. The Urban League asks that you leave your name, phone number, and email address. 

More information regarding the 2026 Urban League of Northwest Indiana’s Entrepreneurship Program will be formally announced soon. Visit urbanleagueofnwi.org to learn more.